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The history of Teachers' Day goes back to 1956, when Field Marshal Plak Pibulsongkram told a congregation of teachers from all over the country that, "We should feel grateful for teachers who provide the guiding light for us. I think there should be a Teachers' Day to enable students to express their gratitude to their teachers. We have a day to pay tribute to our ancestors. The second-most important people in our lives are our teachers."

A year later, an executive decree proclaimed January 16 every year as Teachers' Day.

Over the years there have been efforts to upgrade the profession, but with limited results. In 1999 a bill was introduced to make teaching a high-level profession. It aimed to standardise teaching performance while ensuring commensurate payment to attract qualified people to the profession.

However, there are questions as to whether teaching has been duly elevated. The process of producing teachers has not been very successful and the rigid hierarchy in schools discourages some from entering the system. Teachers still get low pay and many have to work second jobs to make ends meet. Many teachers have high debts. Some focus on upgrading their status instead of focusing on what they teach students in the classroom.

Education Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said the Abhisit government would try to upgrade the quality of teachers. For instance, teachers who work in the deep South will get insurance up to Bt500,000 because they are often the target of insurgents. The minister also said he would encourage teachers to focus on teaching by removing other burdensome chores and responsibilities such as administrative work.

The Culture Ministry says that teachers should possess four qualities: pureness of mind, wisdom, compassion and tolerance. This requirement is very high compared to other professions.

Unfortunately, the rewards for teachers are still not compatible with this high demand.